Three noblemen dance round a tall thistle as the devil plays the bagpipes; representing Scottish influence on the British policy towards American independence. Engraving, 1775.

The thistle represents the Scottish Order of the Thistle. Dancing a Scottish reel round it are (left) the Earl of Bute; (centre) Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford, holding a quizzing glass; and (right) William Murray, Lord chief justice and subsequently 1st Earl of Mansfield, holding the "Quebec Bill" (which had become the Quebec Act in June 1774)